Fire safety is not just a legal requirement; it is a vital responsibility that protects lives, property and business continuity. Yet many organisations unknowingly make mistakes that leave them exposed to unnecessary risk.
Below are some of the most common oversights and why they matter.
Falling behind on compliance
It’s vital that you adhere to the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 and carry out a Fire Risk Assessment for your site, document risks, and follow through with any works or procedures the Fire Risk Assessment highlights. This should be done ideally every 12 months.
Failure to meet legal standards can result in fines, reputational damage and, most importantly, increased danger during an emergency.
Neglecting alarm system maintenance
Your fire alarm system is critical for safely evacuating customers, residents, employees or contractors in the event of a fire. If it is not properly maintained, it may fail when you need it most.
Common issues include outdated systems, faulty sensors and poor connectivity. We recommend routine inspections and timely upgrades are critical to keeping alarms reliable.
Lack of equipment servicing
Fire extinguishers, sprinklers and other safety equipment require regular servicing. A neglected extinguisher could fail during a fire, turning a manageable situation into a a more serious situation. Ensure all fire safety equipment is inspected and serviced according to manufacturer and regulatory guidelines.
Infrequent alarm tests
Testing alarms is not optional. Regular tests confirm that your system works and familiarise staff with the alarm sound.
A weekly test of the fire alarm should be carried out using a different call point each time as best practice. Setting a specific time and day to carry out the test, for example at 10am every Wednesday morning, would be an effective way to make sure everyone is comfortable with processes, and avoid any panic if a real emergency hits.
Skipping these tests can lead to confusion and delays during an actual emergency.
Lack of frequent fire drills
Fire drills are essential for preparedness. Without practice, employees may panic or make dangerous mistakes during an evacuation. Schedule drills at least twice a year and review performance to improve response times.
You should carry out a fire alarm drill at least every 12 months, however, depending on your fire risk assessment this may be required every three months. Allowances should also be made for shift work, as every employee should know the procedures and where the fire assembly points are.
Poor log book management
Fire safety log books provide proof of compliance and a record of maintenance. Missing or incomplete logs can lead to legal issues and make it harder to track safety performance.
Your Responsible Person for fire safety should keep a record of every weekly test, false alarm activation and fire alarm activation, as well as documenting when fire protection equipment was last serviced and maintained.
Blocked or unclear escape routes
Blocked corridors and escape routes can have disastrous consequences. Not only does clutter pose a fire risk in itself, but it also puts people in danger as they evacuate – and of course can prevent evacuation altogether in an emergency.
It’s also extremely important to check all final fire doors are functional and unlocked in case of emergency (while keeping internal fire doors closed in order for them to serve their compartmentation purpose).
Failing to review AOVs
Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) help control smoke during a fire, making evacuation safer and allowing the fire brigade with a safer entry. If they are not tested and maintained, they may fail when needed. Include AOV checks in your fire safety maintenance schedule.
Faulty fire doors
Commercial fire doors play a critical role in containing fire and smoke. Wear and tear, damaged intumescent seals and compromised glazing can reduce their effectiveness.
Interference with closing mechanisms, often caused by people trying to keep doors open, is another common issue. Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to ensure fire doors perform as intended.
Poor kitchen training
Many workplace fires start in kitchens across a variety of sectors like care home, school, hotel or restaurant. Unattended pans and hobs, incorrect use of appliances and poor awareness of fire risks can lead to incidents. Providing proper training and clear guidelines for kitchen safety is vital to prevent fires before they start.
How JLA can help
At JLA, we understand that fire safety is about more than compliance. It is about protecting people and property with solutions you can trust. Our experts provide comprehensive services, including alarm system installation and maintenance, equipment servicing, compliance audits and tailored fire safety strategies.
With JLA, you can be confident that your premises meet all legal requirements and that your people are prepared for any emergency.
Contact us today for more information.
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